It is surprising how much sense these two motorcycles make. Other than delivering the satisfaction of riding a proper 250cc motorcycle and not a 200, each one offers a balance of performance and efficiency that provokes the question, ‘Really, who needs more?’ Then again, the Suzuki Gixxer 250 and the KTM 250 Duke might share similar-sized pistons, the same tyres and useless rear-view mirrors, but they’re completely different in the way they go about impressing a rider. Why, it’s even apparent in the way they look.
I had some hope that Suzuki would give the Gixxer 250 some bright colours, but the official website only shows two understated shades that look like they were picked out by a colour-blind person. Some call it ‘stealth’, I call it ‘funereal’. I wish manufacturers would leave the stealth to reconnaissance aircraft and use other words like ‘bright’ and ‘yellow’ instead. Motorcycles need to be as visible as possible. The KTM, on the other hand, wears the colour of House Orange with pride. Well, actually, the bike we had was white, but there was enough orange on it. Plus nobody’s going to mistake that shape for anything else but a KTM.
Build quality on both bikes is great, as it should be on machines that romp past 120 kph with ease. However, the KTM just feels a bit more premium than the Suzuki. With its inverted front fork, radially-mounted front caliper, slipper clutch and liquid-cooling, the 250 Duke is certainly the better-specced motorcycle here. Plus that Austrian-origami design is far more eye-catching than the Suzuki which looks like it repurposed Ben Affleck’s Batman suit for its body panels.
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 2019 edition of Motoring World.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Sedan Sensation
Volkswagen Virtus is India's definitive choice for sedan!
PLEASANT X-FACTOR
The X3 delivers a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing comfort, making it the ideal SUV for the discerning driver
ONWARDS AND UPWARDS
In the last two decades, India has seen unprecedented growth in public infrastructure. We set out to experience some of it first hand, in partnership with Mahindra and JK Tyre
THAT FAMILIAR FEELING
There's a new Swift in town. Is it a case of 'so what else is new?'
COFFEE CULTURE
Two friends head out to explore the coffee capital of India with the Nissan Magnite HRAO X-Tronic CVT
PLEASANT X-FACTOR
The X3 delivers a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing comfort, making it the ideal SUV for the discerning driver
P FOR VENDETTA
Makes sense considering that a V-Strom comes with a parallel-twin engine, right?
ONE FOR ALL
Pretty obvious thing to say about a scooter, right? Yet here we are...
GOOD COLD DAYS
Riding the new Himalayan in the new Himalayas (sort of)
A MOTHER'S EMBRACE
Volvo C40 Recharge: A safe and sustainable choice!